Math

Students enter the program based on level of mastery as determined by a placement test. Their grade level in the school does not determine course level. Hence, the classes generally contain students of different grades.

The program is designed such that most students entering GBK in middle school will complete the calculus sequence before they graduate. The mathematics program takes advantage of the small class sizes at GBK so the instructor can spend one-on-one time with all students during the daily problem-solving sessions.

The sequence of classes is fast paced and taught primarily through problem solving by the students. Students are encouraged to work at the board in class and work cooperatively with other students to gain valuable skills for solving problems in a variety of areas. The courses include a rich mix of word problems oriented toward approaching and solving real-life problems with mathematics.

High School Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 sequence follows the traditional approach (in contrast with an IMP program) and covers all the standard material in these subjects. Examples from SAT examinations are folded into the standard curriculum. Those fundamentals are supplemented by work in exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices, sequences, series and probability. This and the one semester of trigonometry eliminate the need for a pre-calculus course. The calculus sequence is designed to prepare the student to take the College Board Advanced Placement Calculus AB or BC test.

Every year, GBK students have the opportunity to participate in mathematics contests and they have been winners in various categories of Santa Cruz County math competitions.

Multiple levels of Mathematics are offered in middle and high school:

  • Math A-E Fundamentals
  • Algebraic Principles
  • Algebra 1
  • Geometry
  • Algebra 2
  • Trigonometry
  • Calculus A (AP)
  • Calculus B (AP)
  • Calculus C (AP)

For a “road map” of the math courses with their descriptions, see the “Math Program Summary which is a synopsis taken from the Curriculum Catalog where you will find detailed course descriptions.